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The Daily Insight

Is rose of Sharon actually a rose?

Author

David Jones

Updated on April 02, 2026

In neither case does it refer to actual roses, although one of the species it refers to in modern usage is a member of Rosaceae. The deciduous flowering shrub known as the rose of Sharon is a member of the mallow family which is distinct from the family Rosaceae.

Where is the best place to plant a rose of Sharon?

For spectacular flowers and easy care, plant your Rose of Sharon in a spot with good drainage and full sun to partial shade. In northern climates, six or more hours of direct daily sun promotes maximum blooms.

Is a rose of Sharon the same as a hibiscus?

Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) and Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) are cousins. While the flowers of rose of Sharon and Chinese hibiscus look similar, these plants are from different climates; one is temperate and the other tropical, so they thrive in different places.

Is rose of Sharon a tree or bush?

The Rose-of-Sharon is an deciduous, upright, occasionally spreading shrub or small tree with multiple trunks. The branches grow upright and wlll not droop except when in flower. The leaves emerge late in the spring.

What month does Rose of Sharon bloom?

The blooms of Rose of Sharon, also known as shrub althea, are most welcome since they come during the latter half of the summer and into fall when most flowering shrubs. In most regions where rose of Sharon thrives, the flowers are best in July and August.

What month does rose of Sharon bloom?

What colors do rose of Sharon come in?

Rose of Sharon is easy to grow, even for beginning gardeners. Hardy in USDA zones 5-9, rose of Sharon bushes are tolerant of a wide range of conditions, including poor soil, heat, humidity, drought and air pollution. Flower colors include white, red, pink, lavender, blue and bicolors, with single or double forms.

Does a rose of Sharon have thorns?

Use caution; rose of Sharon has thorns. Trim back the upper branches by no more than one-third to shape the new “tree.” Monitor the tree over the summer and fall. Remove any branches or leaves that appear on the trunk.

How many years does a Rose of Sharon live?

A cold-hardy, drought-resistant shrub, Rose of Sharon can productively produce blooms for 20 to 30 years.

Do butterflies like Rose of Sharon bushes?

Rose of sharon shrubs are much loved for their large, prolific, tropical-looking blooms in late summer. Besides gardeners, these blooms are attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

How tall is Rose of Sharon tree?

The Rose of Sharon belongs to the plant species Hibiscus syriacus and is a medium-size, tree-like shrub that typically grows 9 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide.

Is Rose of Sharon Hibiscus?

Hardy Hibiscus. Rose of Sharon is a woody shrub that grows 8-to-12 feet tall and 6-to-10 feet wide. Because it is very easy to grow and tolerates polluted air, a wide range of light conditions and poor soil, it is common in cities, where it thrives in conditions not many other plants can tolerate.

What is Rose of Sharon?

The Rose of Sharon is a small, easy-to-grow tree that tolerates any type of soil. It can be planted outside or in containers, and grows well in Zones 5B through 9A. The Rose of Sharon is a slow grower that produces large, summer flowers. The blooms might be lavender, blue, pink, purple, red or white.